Digital dentures in modern prosthodontics: Techniques, materials and clinical outcomes

The integration of digital technologies into complete denture fabrication has raised important questions regarding their accuracy, clinical performance and reliability compared with conventional techniques. Digital denture workflows using CAD/CAM systems, intraoral scanning and design software have simplified fabrication procedures and improved predictability. Evidence indicates that digital and conventional impression techniques demonstrate comparable accuracy with digital methods performing better for short spans and conventional materials remaining more reliable for full-arch impressions. Both subtractive milling and additive 3D printing offer distinct advantages, with milled PMMA dentures showing superior strength and dimensional stability, while printed dentures provide greater design flexibility despite weaker bonding properties. Clinically, computer-engineered dentures reduce chairside time and post-insertion adjustments while achieving patient satisfaction and quality-of-life outcomes comparable to or better than conventional dentures, though further long-term comparative studies are required to establish standardized protocols.